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Next generation of town plumbers learning on the job

REDDITCH'S next generation of plumbers are learning on the job with council maintenance teams across the town.

To date 10 plumbing apprentices from NEW College have cut their teeth this year alongside the council's equipment and adaptations team, who work to improve people’s homes across Redditch.

Councillor Mark Shurmer, who is responsible for housing, paid them a visit on site recently.

He said: “There is always work to do across the more than 6,000 council homes in Redditch, and Redditch Council is delighted to continue its commitment to improving skills and opportunities in the borough.

“It is in all of our interests to support the next generation of local tradespeople to earn their stripes in real life working environments.”

Ian Doust from MPower Training Solutions, which manages the plumbing training provision at NEW College, added: "It's been an exciting project working with the borough council maintenance teams, who have offered such strong support to our students in helping them get real world experience to support their studies.

“All of our plumbing students have thoroughly enjoyed their time on site and the support and guidance they have received from council plumber Dan Turner has been immensely valuable. I look forward to continuing to work together on this project, and we are thrilled by the possibilities that this project is opening up for our students."

The plumbing apprenticeships are one example of the new opportunities created in Redditch as a result of a wide-reaching campaign spearheaded by the borough council, NEW College and local businesses last year.